FSFE signs association joint letter for terminal device freedom

Pubblicato il: 2015-10-28

Together with 9 other civil and economic
organisations the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) sent a letter
to numerous members of the German Bundestag concerning the compulsory
routers issue at the present Wednesday. The letter is supposed to
highlight the importance of passing the bill for freedom of terminal
devices in telecommunication.

On the 4th of November the four parliament committees Economy and
Energy, Law and Consumer Protection, Traffic and Digital
Infrastructure, and Digital Agenda will consult about the bill „for
selection and connection of telecommunication terminal devices“. The
132 representatives who sit in the committees will bear a special
responsibility since it is in their power to save the rights of
consumers and protect small and medium-sized businesses.

„We welcome the Federal Government drafting a bill which can
effectively eradicate compulsory routers“, says Matthias Kirschner,
FSFE's President. „The current status of compulsory routers is harmful
for both citizens and economy. This fact has to be known to all
representatives cross-party. Now we need a quick and unmodified
implementation of the drafted law.“

The bill is the outcome of a long discussion about so-called
compulsory routers. These forbid internet users to use a terminal
device of their choice and force them to always have the provider's
device in the own home network. This widespread practise is a threat to
security, privacy, and independence of all internet users and has
negative effects on free and fair competition of manufacturers.

Despite the unanimous opinion of experts, consumer protectors, and
politicians some members of the Federal Council aligned with the few
current bill's opponents. In doing so they adapted technically
inconsistent and long-disproved arguments of internet providers and
network carriers. Up to now the Federal Government rejected the
Council's criticism as not reasonable.

„Today's letter shall prevent a repetition of the Council's
disappointing reaction. With a broad alliance of many-faceted
supporters of terminal device freedom we ask the committees' members to
put those basic user rights as soon as possible and without any rotten
compromises into law“, says Max Mehl, FSFE's Germany Coordinator. „As
of today no representative can plead lack of knowledge of the
importance of terminal device freedom for the independent usage and
security of the internet.“

You can view the depersonalised version of the sent association
joint letter here.
Additionally we listed all important events in the course of the
compulsory routers debate separately on our website.